HomeMy WebLinkAboutHonoring Mary Lee Johnson for the Many Contributions as a Gifted JournalistAttes
RESOLUTION
4383 -14
Passed by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana
August 25, 14
20 .
August 26, 20 14
City Clerk
dent of Common Council
Approved and signed by me > VT " 6 f Q L —20-L4—.
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City Clerk
s RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND PUBLICLY
COMMENDING AND HONORING MAY LEE JOHNSON FOR THE MANY
CONTRIBUTIONS SHE HAS MADE TO OUR COMMUNITY AS A GIFTED JOURNALIST
6X the South Bend Common Council notes that one of South Bend's residents, who graduated
from St. Joseph High School and Indiana University South Bend, began her journalism career with the South
Bend Tribune in 1995 when she began "inserting" in the Tribune's basement; and
QfK;t� the Common Council further notes that May Lee Johnson later began working in "Camera Plate
Making and Later Imaging "; and in 2002, May Lee "was brought upstairs" and given the opportunity to write
and tap into her many journalist talents; and
QfKy May Lee's "Tales of the Westside" later known as "Tales" was just the beginning of an award -
winning South Bend Tribune series which focused on our diverse community; and
May Lee captured the stories and voices of many — from her writing "Our in the Cold: The
Faces of Need" where she focused on real life experiences of individuals who had their heat turned off during
the winter, which resulted in such awareness that policies were changed so that such utility services could not
be turned off until April, rather than in the dead of winter; to being a Reporter for Today's Catholic where she
covered news in South Bend and Mishawaka, as well as the local Black Catholic community; and
May Lee also put the spot light on many local seniors who participated in the Senior Olympics,
who were given the chance to play and laugh during their "Golden Years "; and
Q May Lee's article "Students Embark on Civil Rights Bus Tour" was published on August 9,
2014. It brought to life the "energy and enthusiasm of IU South Bend college students" as 30 freshmen
experienced historic civil rights sites on a bus tour, which has been part of the Summer Leadership Academy
since 2002, so that the history of the Black and Chicano civil rights movements could be shared.
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Section I. The Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, publicly honors and thanks MAY
LEE JOHNSON for her many insights and writings which focused on many topics and created a new
opportunity for discussion, which may not have otherwise taken place.
Section II. The Common Council wishes MAY LEE JOHNSOrd
ue ccess, and hopes that her
life will continue to be enriched with bold new experiences with her fa he be i a new chapter when
she relocates to Arizona, where many new adventures await to be ear xpe ' ced.
Section III. This Resolution shall be in full force and
Dr. Fred Ferlic, 4'h District
avid A. Vamer, 5'h District
and Aeyrits adoption by the Council
D. Dieter, At Large
At Large
White, At Large Council Member
Kathleekanski- Farrand, Coun ttorney
Q^
John Voorde, City Clerk ark Neal, Deputy Mayor of South Bend, IN